By Johnathan Paoli
The Sports, Arts and Culture Department has officially terminated the Silapha Wellness Intervention Programme following a ministerial directive and internal investigation into the project’s effectiveness and financial accountability.
Minister Gayton McKenzie, who has been vocal about redirecting resources toward high-impact programmes, ordered the shutdown after raising concerns about the transparency and measurable outcomes of the initiative.
“We should be intentional about our plans and know how we will respond in these cases, to offer our athletes and creatives the kind of practical support that’s needed, when it’s really needed,” Minister McKenzie said.
The decision signals a shift in how the department intends to support artists and athletes, particularly in times of distress and hardship.
Launched three years ago, the programme was designed to provide mental health support, financial counseling, grief assistance and performance anxiety services to the country’s artists and sportspeople.
It included access to 24/7 counseling through a confidential call centre and a wellness platform offering assessments and educational resources.
Despite its noble goals, the programme came under scrutiny over its costs and effectiveness.
The department awarded the service provider a tender worth just over R18.2 million for the full three-year duration, with monthly payments of approximately R507,120.
However, questions began to surface about where most of the funding was being allocated and whether the service reached those it intended to help.
“We are exploring innovative ways of ensuring that we do more, and better, for our artists and athletes as a government,” McKenzie said.
The minister explained that while wellness remained a priority, a new more targeted approach was needed, one that moved beyond generic platforms and focused on direct, timely support.
The department is now exploring alternative solutions to ensure that the families of creatives and sportspeople receive proper assistance, particularly during bereavement and other urgent needs.
McKenzie cited the state of boxing in South Africa as an example of how reallocating resources could lead to real change.
The termination of the programme comes amid a wider effort by the department to audit its spending, ensure greater accountability and re-evaluate initiatives that may not be yielding intended results.
The department has not yet announced what specific measures will replace the programme, but promised more direct communication with stakeholders in the weeks to come.
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